Little Italy

Guide to San Diego’s Little Italy

From Laurel St. south to West A street, San Diego’s Little Italy spans 48 square blocks, and is the largest Little Italy in the nation. This neighborhood of San Diego is for those who like to indulge in the finer things. From museums to craft beer tasting and wine shops this is the area to walk around and discover something new!

**Disclaimer: all of the places I have listed below are places that I have been to, eaten at, drank at and enjoyed.To Eat & Drink. / To Explore.

To Eat & Drink.

El Camino

A brassy Mexican Eatery. They have pigs that hang from the ceiling that I am obsessed with. Restaurant by day, bar by night. The restaurant has amazing seasonal Mexican fare and the bar, has an amazing happy hour, with a DJ on some nights. Eat on the patio and watch the planes glide right over you!

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Upscale warehouse turned seafood restaurant, with a floor to ceiling bar, a ton of beer on tap and a piranha wall. Yes, a wall made of piranha skeletons. How awesome is that!? Their quirky decor is equally as amazing as their food!

Cafe Gratitude

The Little Italy location is a branch from the LA based chain. The boast a creative menu of plant based food, as well as juices, beer on tap and wine. If you are looking to detox they have a meal plan for that! If you are iffy about plant based food, the menu here is amazing. Definitely check them out!

Mimmo’s

With a massive, dreamy outdoor patio, Mimmo’s offers traditional Italian cuisine and a vast wine list. The atmosphere is upbeat, friendly and inviting. This is definitely a place to go to and stay awhile.

Island Prime

Upscale California Cuisine. This restaurant is not really in Little Italy, but considered to be on Harbor Island. The restaurant is bay-front and has an amazing view of the downtown San Diego skyline. Grab a drink, lunch or dinner, this is the place to go for a nice evening out.

Prep Kitchen

If you are a foodie, you will love this place. The decor is super hip and modernly-rustic, if that makes sense. Besides being simply amazing to devour, their food is stunning to photograph (for all you hipsters, bloggers, and foodies alike).

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

The Little Italy location is the OG Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. You have to go through an authentic Italian Mercado to get to the restaurant hostess stand. They serve generous portions and traditional Italian cuisine.

The Waterfront Bar & Grill

The oldest bar in San Diego, and one of my favorites. This gem is a must visit if you have never been. They offer typical pub grub and cocktails and an amazing happy hour and brunch menu. Once you visit and absorb the atmosphere and history of this place, you will understand why the Waterfront Bar & Grill has outlasted the waterfront.

Kettner Exchange

American food with a global influence! They have a gorgeous rooftop sanctuary that will make you feel as if you were on vacation. I would go here for their and crafted libations and small plates. Amazing place to sit outside and enjoy!

Craft & Commerce

Another trendy eatery!….and drinkery! (I know that is not a word) Craft & Commerce is definitely a hipster gastropub. They have handmade cocktails, shelves lined with old books and taxidermy lined walls. Fun place to check out with great food!

False Idol

Have you ever been to a tiki speak easy? Well you should check this place out. If you are in Craft & Commerce (above) make a reservation to visit this place. You will have to walk through the commercial fridge to enter.

Little Italy’s Loading Dock

Formerly known as: 98 Bottles

Eclectic small plates, which can be paired with wine, beer or cocktails. They boast live shows in the back room. Located in the historical loading dock of Little Italy, 98 Bottles has continued to make this historic location the hub of Little Italy.

Bottle Craft Beer Shop & Tasting Room

Beer shop that prides themselves on carrying the top choices for domestic, international and local craft beers. You can stop in and buy a few 22 oz. bottles or sit at the bar and taste. Your prerogative. They have a few locations all around San Diego, however, the Little Italy location is my personal favorite.

Ballast Point

Ballast Point Brewery’s Little Italy location is a must see. They have an amazing patio with great food. Their fish tacos are my favorite! If you are look for a fancier sit down meal, make a reservation in the Kettle Room (only at the Little Italy location).

To Explore.

Source Unknown

Little Italy Farmer’s Market

The farmer’s market takes place every Saturday, with 150+ local vendors. They shut down a side street in Little Italy to house all of the produce, plants, meat, eggs and crafts. I love walking through the mercado, there are always so many things to see and people to meet.

Music Box

Upscale three-story live music venue in the heart of Little Italy. The atmosphere of this venue is contagious, and a bucket list option if you are an avid concert goer. They serve signature libations and have a variety of small plates to munch on!

Vocabulary Boutique

This wouldn’t be an interior design website without a few good locales for home decor. Vocabulary in Little Italy boasts men and women’s contemporary fashions as well as home decor accents and accessories.

@HOM

This home decor store offers lighting fixtures, furniture, and offers interior design services for hire as well as staging. They have an amazing showroom and store front. If you are looking for some unique pieces for home this should be at the top of your list.

Harper’s Topiary Garden

A sight to see! A married couple decided to turn their front yard into an amazing topiary garden. Each tree is pruned into shapes that were inspired by the various travels they have taken. There is no cost associated with visiting this garden, but it is a quick stop. I would recommend stopping by on your way to Little Italy or Downtown San Diego.

Marina

A lovely walk, with the historical kissing duo, the Midway museum and the famous Star of India Ship. All are amazing to see and check out. I have been on the Midway, and it is fascinating taking a tour of the famous aircraft carrier. Walking along the marina, there are tons of restaurants with amazing seafood., you can even take a Hornblower dinner cruise. You won’t be disappointed!

Address: From W. Ash St. & Harbor Drive – The Hilton on Harbor Drive

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